8 Misconceptions About Pakistan You Should Know

1. Pakistan is a dangerous place to live in

Crime – from street crimes to white-collar crimes – happens in Pakistan, and the same happens to any side of the world. The media may have always displayed Pakistan as an unsafe place where people walk around the streets with fear and arms, treating those who will be against their beliefs or foreigners with the worse acts you can imagine. Terrorism is still present but it isn’t something that’s usual in the entire country of Pakistan. Traveling around Pakistan is safe starting from terminals which have security checkpoints up to the cultural sites that remain welcoming to interested tourists. Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Multan, Bahawalpur, and even Karachi are safe to visit. Just remember that in every country you visit, it’s common sense to be always alert.

2. Pakistani women are oppressed in their own country

Are the women oppressed in Pakistan? The answer is yes and no. How women are seen and treated may vary depending on the areas you’re going to observe. For example, in the far and tribal areas of Balouchistan, women are obligated to do house chores and nothing more. Karo Kari or honor killings is still present in the province of Sindh. Moreover, forced marriages, nose cutting, and acid attacks are still making it into the news.

However, in the main cities of Pakistan, women are encouraged to get higher studies and they can even choose what they want to wear (as long as it’s culturally acceptable) but it’s not surprising to see some women in burqas. Women can take jobs they want to take, whether they choose to be an actress, an entrepreneur, a doctor, an engineer, or a pilot – it’s all possible. They even had a female prime minister. Well, women can drive and go shopping in their jeans too.

3. Children don’t have the privilege to live normally

Pakistani kids in major cities live just like the kids in any developing country. They are educated and encouraged to finish their education until they can support themselves with the job they’ve wanted. Children can play outside with their friends and they can also just stay home with an iPad too. Everyone isn’t poor in Pakistan and kids can be spoiled too.